It came to me! UPDATE: Photos of resto and first cook.

[zavod44]

I'm so glad you got that grill Mike....I believe the word Karma comes to mind in this instance.   That is a tough one to find, not sure what's better the story or the grill.  Great find.....

[Troy]

That is an amazing grill and an absolutely wonderful story.

That is a score to be proud of, super rare find.


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[Heyjude]

I don't think anyone answered your question. ALL Jumbo Joes, Smokey Joe Paltinums and they were also called Outriders had a slightly different size grate. Luckily you can still buy one from Weber. At least at last check you could. 

Appliance Factory Parts Show them. Should be cheaper at Weber

http://www.appliancefactoryparts.com/search/part/551740/135917

[mike.stavlund]

Thanks, everyone!  You're getting me even more excited about this rescue (and I was pretty excited already). 

And thanks, AJ for the info on the top grate.  I'll grab a new top grate while they are still available.  Is the bottom (charcoal) grate the standard size, though?

[vader06]

That is a beautiful grill.  I am being patient because I am looking for a red one.

[mike.stavlund]

You're right, AJ.  Weber still has the top grate (#70605) for just $10.  They also told me that the charcoal grate is a special size (#7440, $9.99), but I'm not sure I believe them.  The CS agent seemed to be bluffing about a few things.

I'll be sure to grab an extra grate before they go out of production.  Thanks for the tip!

[mike.stavlund]

Got my new grates the other day, and finished refinishing the handle.  It was in pretty good shape, so I sanded it down, coated it with clear Australian Timber Oil, and put 3 coats of satin spar varnish on it.  Took a long time for all of those coats to dry with the humid weather we've had around DC of late. 

The oil shows that I should have been more diligent with my initial sanding, but it looks pretty good overall.  Not an O'Neal-- not by a longshot!-- but not bad for an original EZ handle.

[Duke]

Nice work Mike! I believe you might be happier with a smokey joe top grate for the charcoal grate because they are finer and will hold a charcoal rail better than the regular ones. Put a sweet new chrome one in it.